The World Ballet Company presented Swan Lake on February 18, 2026, at the Alex Theatre. Though rooted in tradition, this production was anything but ordinary. Having never seen a World Ballet performance before, I was immediately struck by the intricate hand painted sets and exquisitely detailed costumes which infused new life and vigor into the timeless story. The World Ballet is committed to making ballet accessible to all. They bring this mission to life by touring to cities both large and small across the United States while incorporating innovative technology and Broadway style theatrics that entice seasoned ballet connoisseurs, aspiring dancers and families alike.
World Ballet Company in “Swan Lake” – Photo courtesy of WBC.
In the first Act we see the celebration of the Prince, danced by Arsentii Lazarev, as he celebrates his coming of age and is pursued by eligible women. We see a beautiful Pas de Trois by Yevgeniy Rybkin, Wakana Hara and Haruka Nomura that immediately shows that behind the lavish props and costumes are also fantastic technical dancers and performers. We are also introduced to the Jester danced by Konstantin Geronik, who flies effortlessly through the air and spins like a top all while keeping up his light hearted charade.
World Ballet Company in “Swan Lake” – Photo courtesy of WBC.
We are soon transported to a new set where we meet the swans and the magical Rothbart danced by Maksim Vlas. The moon glows over the swans as they emerge through a soft haze, the massive cast filling the stage and dancing in perfect unison while shifting through intricate formations that mimic flocking and soaring birds. We also meet Odette, danced by Lina Sheveleva, who uses subtle hand and neck movements to imitate a swan as she dances around the Prince, and see the traditional Little Swans Dance performed by Wakana Hara, Haruka Nomura, Mariia Taranko and Anastasiia Lebedik. Act 1 finishes with a flash of lighting that lights up the stage and leaves the audience in anticipation for Act 2.
World Ballet Company in “Swan Lake” – Photo courtesy of WBC.
The start of the second Act takes us to the palace with a new and glorious backdrop and costumes. I was so impressed by the custom made character shoes and was wondering where I could get a pair myself! A fantastic and energetic Spanish dance performed by Alimkhan Turebekov, Inna Snihur, Aoi Nitanai and Diana Chemilevskaia takes over the stage and impresses with their bold energy, arm gestures and flexibility. This is followed by a Hungarian, Russian, and Mazurka dance. The dancers included Fedor Piskarev, Alexei Shmetoev, Alexei Shmetoev, Alexandra Morozova, Anastasiia Lebedik, Aleksandr Borodin, Valentina Dergacheva, Lizaveta Usovich, Aya Araki, Nadezhda Lavrova, Stella Malkina, Erlan Mederbekov, Yahor Turau and Makhabbat Sapiyeva.
World Ballet Company in “Swan Lake” – Photo courtesy of WBC.
As the story returns to the lake for its final moments, the emotional weight of the Prince’s betrayal lingers over the stage. The swans once again fill the space in sweeping formations, and the grandeur of the production gives way to the intimacy of Odette’s heartbreak. What ultimately makes this Swan Lake memorable is not only its grandeur, through the sets, costumes and theatrics but the clarity of storytelling and the strength of the dancers who carry it. World Ballet succeeds in blending tradition with accessibility, offering a production that feels both classical and inviting. The rest of the cast includes Inna Snihur, Valentina Dergacheva, Angelina Nigmatulina, Alina Rybakova, Vagiz Sultanov, Alexandr Ischenko, Elizaveta Lazareva and Irina Nuzhdova.
For more information about the World Ballet, please visit their website.
To learn more about the Alex Theatre, please visit their website.
Written by Denali Huff for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: World Ballet Company in “Swan Lake” – Photo courtesy of WBC.
